Interactive sound reproducing

ABSTRACT

An audio system attachable to a computer includes a sound reproduction device for producing audible sound from audio signals. The sound reproduction device includes a radio tuner and a powered speaker. The audio system further includes a connector for connecting the sound reproduction device with a computer. The computer provides audio signals from a plurality of sources, the sources including a computer CD player, digitally encoded computer files stored on the computer, and a computer network connected to the computer. The sound reproduction device further includes control buttons for controlling at least one of the computer CD player, the digitally encoded computer files and the computer network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/608,034, filed Dec. 7, 2006, and is a continuation of and claimspriority to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/689,337, filed Oct. 12, 2000,now U.S. Pat. No. 7,277,765. The contents of each of these priorapplications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to interactive sound reproducing and moreparticularly to sound reproducing from computer compact disk (CD)drives, network radio stations, broadcast radio stations, and digitallyencoded computer files.

It is an important object of the invention to provide improvedinteractive sound reproducing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, an audio system includes a soundreproduction device for producing audible sound from audio signals. Thesound reproduction device includes a radio tuner, a powered speaker anda connector for connecting the sound reproduction device with acomputer. The computer provides audio signals from a plurality ofsources. The sources include a computer CD player, digitally encodedcomputer files stored on the computer, and a computer network connectedto the computer. The sound reproduction device includes control buttonsfor controlling at least one of the computer CD player, the digitallyencoded computer files and the computer network.

In another aspect of the invention, an audio system includes a soundreproduction device for producing audible sound from audio signals. Thesound reproduction device includes an enclosure, enclosing a radio tunerand a powered speaker. The audio system further includes a connector forconnecting the sound reproduction device with a computer, the computerfor providing audio signals from a computer CD player, from digitallyencoded computer files, and from a computer network.

In another aspect of the invention, an audio system includes a soundreproduction device for reproducing audible sound from audio signals, acomputer coupled to the sound reproduction device for receiving theaudio signals from a computer network, the audio signals beingtransmitted from an alternatively selectable plurality of networkaddresses, and a remote control device, for communicating commands tothe sound reproduction device, the remote control device comprising aplurality of indicator buttons. An indicating one of the indicatorbuttons causes the computer to select a preassigned one of the networkaddresses.

In another aspect of the invention, an audio system includes a computersystem and a sound reproduction system for reproducing audible soundfrom audio signals. The audio signals come from a plurality ofselectable sources. A method for switching the sound reproduction systemfrom an unpowered state to a powered state includes transmitting acontrol signal from the sound reproduction system to the computersystem. If the computer system responds to the control signal, themethod determining by the sound reproduction device that the computersystem is in a responsive state and

If the computer system does not respond to the control signal,determining by the sound reproduction device that the computer system inan unresponsive state.

In another aspect of the invention, a radio receiver has a number n ofpreset indicators. A method for assigning broadcast frequencies toindividual preset indicators includes determining the location of theradio receiver and scanning the frequency spectrum to determine thestrongest signals.

In another aspect of the invention, a sound system includes a soundreproduction device coupled to a computer system and a remote controldevice, for transmitting encoded control commands to the soundreproduction device. A method for decoding the commands includesreceiving, by the sound reproduction device, one of the encoded controlcommands, and decoding, by the sound reproduction device, the onereceived control command, and executing, by the sound reproductiondevice, the one received control command. In the event that the onereceived control command is not decodable or is not executable by thesound reproduction device, the method includes transmitting the encodedcontrol command to the computer system.

In another aspect of the invention, an audio system includes a soundreproduction device for reproducing audible sound from audio signalsfrom a plurality of sources. The sources including a radio tuner and atleast one of a CD containing a plurality of individually indicatabletracks, a plurality of individually indicatable network addresses, and aplurality of individually indicatable digitally encoded files stored ona digital storage device. The audio system includes a source selectorfor selecting from the plurality of sources, a source of audio signalsto be reproduced by the sound reproduction device and a control signalinput device. If the selected source is the radio tuner, an activationof the control signal input device changes the tuning frequency of theradio tuner; if the selected source is the CD, an activation of thecontrol signal input device changes the indicated CD track or playposition within a track; and if the selected source is the selectablenetwork addresses, an activation of the control signal device changesthe indicated network address.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of operating an audiosystem adapted to reproduce sound from a plurality of digitally encodedfiles which contain identifying characteristics includes assigning avalue of one of the identifying characteristics to a preset indicator;on the indicating of the preset indicator, searching the plurality offiles for the value of the one identifying characteristic; and selectingfor reproduction the digitally encoded files having the value.

In still another aspect of the invention, a method for selecting from aplurality of audio signal sources having identifying characteristics, asingle audio signal source, includes specifying a value of one of theidentifying characteristics; determining, by a computer, which of theaudio signal sources have the value for the one characteristic; andselecting a single audio source from the plurality of audio signalsources.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method gives multiplesets of values to a single set of presets being used with a singlesource. The method changes the set of values by clicking on a graphic,such as a right or left arrow on the screen display, to bring up a newset of values for the presets. Typically, any one of the set of valuesis selectable by either clicking with the pointing device on theappropriate preset on the screen, pressing the selected preset on theremote, or pressing the preset on the radio.

Other features, objects, and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description, which refers to the following drawingsin which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first configuration of a networked soundsystem according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second configuration of a networked soundsystem according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the interface unit of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram helpful in explaining the logical databaserelationships of recorded units and assemblages of recorded units;

FIG. 5 is a sound reproduction device control panel according to theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a representation of an interface screen on a computer displayin accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for assigning broadcast radio frequencies tothe preset buttons according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows the buttons on the remote control device;

FIGS. 9 A-9R are schematic circuit diagrams of circuitry in a radio thatimplement elements 12,14 and 16 of the system of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 10A-10F represent an implementation of the interface unit 54 ofFIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1,there is shown a first configuration of a networked sound systemaccording to the invention. Sound reproduction device 10 includes anAM/FM tuner 12, audio signal processing circuitry 14, controlelectronics circuitry 16 for controlling the tuner and signal processingcircuitry, a remote control device 17 for communicating commands tocontrol electronics circuitry 16, and an electroacoustical transducer18. An auxiliary (hereinafter “aux”) input 13 typically implemented as asignal jack permits the sound reproduction device to receive audiosignals from outside sources, such as portable CD players. Computersystem (PC) 20 includes a bus 22 which interconnects various computersystem components and carries data and control signals between them.Hardware components may include CPU 24, RAM 26, CD player 28, a massstorage device, such as a hard disk 30, a network interface card 32, anda sound card 33. Computer system 20 also includes a number of externalconnectors for connecting bus 22 with various external devices. A firstexternal connector 34 connects to an external display 36. A secondexternal connector 38 connects to an external input device such as amouse 40. A third external connector 42 connects to a keyboard 44. Afourth external connector 46 connects network interface card 32 to alocal or wide area network for transmitting to and receiving signalsfrom remote devices that are connected to the local or wide areanetwork. A fifth external connector 43 connects to external mass storagedevice 45. Stereo jack 48 connects sound card 33 to radio audio signalprocessing circuitry 14 through analog input terminal 49. Audio systemcontrol connector 50 connects bus 22 to control electronics circuitry 16through digital input terminal 51.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a second configuration of anetworked audio system according to the invention. The elements of FIG.2 are the same as the elements of FIG. 1, with some exceptions. Soundcard 33 of FIG. 1 is not needed in this configuration. Stereo jack 48and the audio system control connector 50 of FIG. 1 are replaced by abus interface connector 52, which connects to an interface unit 54. Theinterface unit 54 connects to audio signal processing circuitry 14through analog terminal 49 and to control electronics circuitry 16through digital terminal 51. Interface unit 54 will be described in moredetail in connection with a subsequent figure.

A networked audio system which contains both the powered speaker and theradio tuner in a single enclosure is advantageous over conventionalaudio systems which house the speakers and radio tuner in separateenclosures, because the system can then be configured to occupy lessspace in a work area.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown interface unit 54 in more detail.Signal line 56 from interface connector 52 is connected to logiccircuitry 58. Logic circuitry 58 is coupled to D/A converter 60 which isconnected to analog terminal 49 by analog signal line 62. Analogterminal 49 is in turn connected to audio signal processing circuitry14. Logic circuitry 58 is connected to digital terminal 51 by digitalsignal line 64. Digital terminal 51 is in turn connected to controlelectronics circuitry 16. If bi-directional flow of analog signals isdesired, a second analog signal path is provided. The second analogsignal path includes a signal line between audio signal processingcircuitry 14 and a second analog terminal 66; a second analog signalline 68 connecting second analog terminal 66 and an A/D converter 70;and a signal line connecting A/D converter 70 and logic circuitry 58.

In operation, logic circuitry 58 determines if transmissions on signalline 56 from bus 22 are intended for sound reproduction device 10. Ifsignals on bus 22 are intended for sound reproduction device 10, logiccircuitry 58 determines whether the signals are control signals or audioinformation. If the signals are control signals, logic circuitry 58transmits signals to digital terminal 51 over digital signal line 64. Ifsignals are audio information, logic circuitry transmits signals to D/Aconverter 60 which converts the digital signal to an analog audiosignal. Analog audio signal is then transmitted over analog signal line62 to analog terminal 49 and then to audio signal processing circuitry14. The digital signal path including control circuitry 16, digitalterminal 51, digital signal line 64, logic circuitry 58 signal line 56,and interface connector 52 is constructed and arranged to transmitsignals bidirectionally, so that control signals originating at controlcircuitry 16 can be transmitted to computer bus 22 for processing by CPU24. If bidirectional flow of analog circuitry is desired, analog signalsmay be transmitted from audio signal processing circuitry 14 to secondanalog terminal 66, and to A/D converter 70, where it is converted to adigital signal that is then transmitted to logic circuitry 58.

In one implementation, sound reproduction device 10 is a Wave® radioequipped with an appropriate communications ports, available from theBose Corporation of Framingham, Mass. Computer system 20 may be aconventional multimedia personal computer.

There are typically three implementation arrangements for interface unit54. One alternative is to implement interface unit 54 as a module incomputer system 10. In this arrangement, interface unit 54 isimplemented as a circuit board that connects internally to bus 22 (sothat interface connector 52 is internal to the computer, and isphysically connected to an expansion slot in the computer), signal lines62, 64, and 68 are implemented as cables, and digital terminal 51,analog terminal 49 (and second analog terminal 66, if present) areexternal ports for the sound reproduction device 10.

A second alternative is to implement interface unit 54 as anintermediate, separate unit, typically integrated with cables whichimplement signal lines 62, 64, 68, and 56. In this arrangement,interface connector 52 is an external computer port, and digitalterminal 51, analog terminal 49 (and second analog terminal 66, ifpresent) are external ports for the sound reproduction device 10.

A third alternative is to implement interface unit 54 as a module, suchas a circuit board, in the sound reproduction device 10. In thisarrangement, sound reproduction device 10 has an external port toaccommodate a cable that implements signal line 56, and the remainingsignal lines and terminals are internal to sound reproduction device 10.

A networked sound system according to the invention may have a number ofoperating modes. In a first mode, sound reproduction device 10 operatesas a standalone sound reproduction device (hereinafter “standalonemode”), similar to a conventional radio or hi-fi receiver. Operating inthis mode, sound reproduction device operates independently of computersystem 20, and even operates if computer system 20 is not running. In asecond operating mode (hereinafter “sound effects mode”), soundreproduction device 10 operates as conventional computer speakers,reproducing sounds that are incidental to programs running on computersystem 20. Examples may be sound effects in computer games, audiblealarms and warnings, indicating, for example, that the computer systemhas received electronic mail. In a third operating mode (hereinafter“audio system mode”) sound reproduction device 10 operates as aprocessor and reproducer of audio signals from a variety of sources,including networked sources and components of the computer system 20.

When the system is operating in the sound effects mode and the audiosystems mode, the operation of the components of the system iscontrolled by a software program running on computer system 20. Forefficient use of computer resources, the software program may be dividedinto two program modules, one of which provides communications betweencomponents of computer system 20 and sound reproduction device 10, and asecond which accesses sound sources as described below. Additionally,the first program module can contain instructions such that itautomatically activates the second program module if it detects acommunication from sound reproduction device 10 to computer system 20that requires that the second module be running.

Operating in standalone mode, sound reproduction device 10 is controlledas, and operates as a standard radio or receiver. On/off, tuning, andvolume control are all either entered by control buttons or dials thatare connected electronically to control electronics circuitry 16, or byremote control device 17.

Operating in sound effects mode, sound reproduction device 10 iscontrolled as, and operates as, standard amplified computer speakershaving an on/off switch and volume control.

Operating in audio systems mode, sound reproduction device 10 reproducessound from tuner 12, aux input 13, digital audio signals stored in RAM26, hard disk 30, or external mass storage device 45; audio signalsreceived from sources connected to the local or wide area networkconnected to network interface 32; and other sources such as CD player28 (which can be a component of computer system 20 as shown, or whichcan be a separate component, connected directly to sound reproductiondevice 10). The source or sources of the audio signals is controlled bya computer program running on computer system 20.

If sound reproduction device 10 is in the “off” state, and is turned“on” either by pressing the “on” or “power” button or a button orindicator performing an equivalent function, or by pressing thecorresponding button on remote control device 17, control electronicscircuitry 16 detects whether computer 20 is connected, and if connected,in the “on” or “off” state. If computer 20 is not connected or is in the“off” state, sound reproduction device 10 operates in standalone mode,and sound reproduction device begins reproducing audio signals from thelast internal audio signal source (in one implementation, either AM orFM signals from AM/FM tuner 12, or signals from aux input 13). Ifcomputer 20 is in the “on” position and the second program module (asdescribed above in the discussion of “Operating Modes”) is not running,the first program module activates the second program module, and thesound reproduction device begins producing signals from the last audiosignal source, as described above in the discussion of “audio systemsmode.” If computer 20 is in the “on” position and the second programmodule is running, the sound reproduction device begins producingsignals from the last audio signal source.

Recorded on hard disk 30 or external mass storage 45 may be informationabout typically either AM broadcast, FM broadcast, broadcast radiostations available to the reproduction device 10 through tuner 12.Typically, availability is determined by a combination of proximity toand direction to the broadcast site, directionality and power of thebroadcast signal, obstructions (such as tall buildings and mountains),and competing signals, especially those in nearby frequency bands. Thelist of radio stations available to the reproduction device may beassembled in a number of ways. In a simple form, the user may manuallytune a radio station and manually enter into the data base identifyinginformation about the radio station. In more sophisticated forms, thereproduction device may automatically scan the broadcast frequencyspectrum and assemble a list of available radio stations by noting thefrequency and by measuring signal strength of received signals, or asuggested list of radio stations, based on location information such aszip code, or can be compiled by a resource (such as the vendor of thereproduction device or a commercial information assembler). Informationabout each radio station can also be collected and stored. Suchinformation can include: station broadcast frequency; station callletters and/or other identifiers; station format (news, type of music,location, and others).

Information about radio stations that are accessible over the local orwide area network (hereinafter web radio stations) is also acquired andstored. This information may be acquired through search engines, bycommercially available listings from suppliers such as vTuner(vTuner.com), or assembled by the user. Information about web radiostations typically include a station identifier, a network address, acategory (e.g. news, rock, jazz, sports, classical), and a location oforigination.

The information about broadcast radio stations and web radio stations,respectively, may be organized and sorted based on any of theinformation types mentioned above.

In addition to reproducing sound, a networked sound system according tothe invention can record, on hard disk 30 or external mass storagedevice 45. Recording can be done simultaneously with sound reproduction,or in the “background.” Sound is recorded in units, and the units areidentified and information about the units are recorded in a data base.For example, a typical recording unit is a track on a CD. Theinformation about each unit (track) may include title, composer, artist,category (e.g. classical, rock, blues). The information may be obtainedautomatically or by user intervention from commercially availableinternet sources and/or may be entered or edited by the user.Additionally, for other types of recording units, the information may beof other types (such as for radio broadcasts a station and a timeinterval; for athletic events the date and participating teams; forcultural events the date, performer, composer; and others). Forconvenience, recorded units and assemblages of recorded units arereferred to as “music files” even though the recorded units are notnecessarily recordings of music.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a diagram that will be used todiscuss the logical relationships of recorded units and assemblages ofrecorded units. Recorded units 110-1 through 110-n each contain datarepresenting the recorded sound and information about the recordedsound. Information could include the artist, the composer, and the typeof music. A first type of assemblage of recorded units is an “album”represented here as items 112 a, 112 b, 112 c. Albums 112 a, 112 b, and112 c may also have associated with them information similar to theinformation about the recorded units, such as artist, composer, and typeof music. Albums may include recorded units that have differentcomposers, artists, or type of music.

A second type of assemblage includes recorded units with commonidentifying characteristics, sometimes referred to as common “metadata”values. “Metadata” values are typically included in file headerinformation of music files in many popular music file formats. Metadatavalues may include the artist, the composer, the type of music, andothers. For example, element 114 represents an assemblage that includesall albums (112 a and 112 b) that include a track performed by apredetermined artist and all tracks performed by that artist. Album 112b is included in the assemblage, even though it may include only onetrack 110-7 performed by that artist and even though that album maycontain tracks that are performed by other artists. In otherembodiments, the assemblage may be set up such that only tracksperformed by the artist are included in the assemblage. Similarly,assemblage 114 may represent an assemblage of all recorded units writtenby a common composer or containing a common type of music.

For example, if an assemblage contains music files having a commoncomposer metadata value of “Beethoven”, each time the assemblage isrequested, a computer database program may search all the music filesfor the metadata value of “Beethoven” as the composer. In this manner,each time a new music file is recorded with “Beethoven” as the composer,it is automatically added to the assemblage. In other words, this secondtype of assemblage may be said to be dynamically constructed.

A third type of assemblage is represented by playlist 116. In thisexample, playlist 116 includes artist assemblage 114, album 112 c, andtrack 110-n.

Information about recorded units, playlists and other assemblages,broadcast radio stations, computer network accessible radio stations isstored in a data base stored in RAM 26 mass storage device 30 orexternal mass storage device 45. In one implementation, a record of thedata base may correspond to a broadcast radio station, a web radiostation, or a recorded unit. The fields of the records representingbroadcast radio stations may contain information such as call letters,broadcast frequency, station format, or signal strength. The fields ofrecord representing computer network accessible radio stations mayinclude a identifiers, network addresses, locations, and stationformats. The fields of record representing recorded units may includethe metadata values as described above.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a control panel from soundreproduction device 10. Preset buttons 72 a-72 f each have a broadcastfrequency associated with it. When that button is depressed by the user,the control electronics circuitry causes the control electronicscircuitry (of FIG. 1) to cause the tuner 12 to tune to the frequencyassociated with that preset button.

In addition to associating broadcast frequencies to the identifiers, anetworked sound system according to the invention can assign otherentities to the preset button. Other entities can include web radionetwork addresses, playlists; or recorded units, such as individual CDtracks, or other assemblages of recorded unit as described above.

In a networked sound system according to the invention, there are atleast three ways of activating the preset buttons. The buttons of FIG. 5can be depressed; corresponding buttons on remote control device 17 canbe depressed; or a graphical representation of a corresponding presetbutton that is caused to appear on external display 36 by a computerprogram may be selected by operation of mouse 40. Hereinafter, the term“preset indicator” will be used to denote the preset buttons on thecontrol panel (FIG. 5), the preset buttons on the remote control device(FIG. 8), or the graphical representation of the preset buttons on thedisplay (FIG. 6). In one embodiment, there is a one to onecorrespondence between the preset buttons on the control panel of thesound reproduction device, the preset buttons on remote control device17, and the graphical representation of preset buttons appearing onexternal display 36. Activating a preset button on control panel of FIG.5, the corresponding preset button on remote control device 17, or thegraphical representation of the preset button on external display 36causes the same entity to be selected. For each different source, adifferent entity may be assigned to each preset button, as will bedescribed below. There may also be multiple sets of values to a singleset of presets being used with a single source as discussed above. Forexample, there may be multiple sets of FM and/or AM radio stations.

A common user interface screen is caused to appear on external display,with some of the portions of the screen having different identifyinglegends. Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a user interface screen.Source selection region 78 has graphical regions enabling the user toselect the audio signal source. In this implementation, a CD, AMbroadcast radio, FM broadcast radio, Web Radio, and Music Files (e.g.recorded units) can be selected. In current selection region 88,information about the selection currently displayed is shown. Inavailable selections region 90, information about the availableselections is shown. In preset section 92, six graphical figures,corresponding to the six preset buttons shown in FIG. 6 are displayed.“Tune” graphical figures 79 are discussed below in the discussion ofFIG. 8.

The information displayed in the available selections region 90 may beordered based on any of the metadata values. For example, the list of FMstations of FIG. 6 can be ordered in by station ID as shown, or could beordered by broadcast frequency, or by category (station format).Ordering the list of stations in different manners enables the user tomore easily select the music to be reproduced from the list of availableselections, especially if the number of available selections is large.For example, if the user has selected “web radio” as the source, theremay be hundreds of entries displayed in the available selections region.If the user wants to listen to a particular type of music, for examplejazz, the user can order the list of available web radio stations bystation format, and scroll through the list and listen to web radiostations until a suitable station is found. Scrolling through the listcan be done by using the arrow keys on the computer keyboard, the“tuning” buttons 128 (FIG. 5) on the control panel, or the correspondingbuttons 147 (FIG. 8) on the remote control device.

The entities that can be assigned to the preset buttons are dependent onthe audio source selected by activating the appropriate graphical figurein the source selection region 78. If the CD source has been activated,the preset buttons are not active. If the AM broadcast or FM broadcastgraphical figure have been activated, broadcast frequencies in the AMand FM broadcast bands, respectively, can be assigned to the presetbuttons. For convenience and ease of identification, the call lettersmay also be displayed on the graphical representation. If the web radioaudio source has been activated, a URL of a web radio website areassigned to the preset buttons. For ease of identification, the name, orother identification about the website is typically displayed on thepreset buttons.

If the music files audio source has been selected, any assemblage, asdiscussed above, of recorded units can be assigned to a preset buttons.For combinations of recorded units, a play mode may also be assigned tothe preset button. “Play modes” may include sequential, in which therecorded units are played in the order they appear in the database(typically, for example, for an album, this means in the order theindividual “cuts” appear on the album), “shuffle” or “random,” in whichthe recorded units are played in a random order, and “repeat” eithersingle cuts or a sequence of cuts.

In one embodiment, initial preset assignment of broadcast radio stationsis done automatically. Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a flowdiagram of a process for automatically initial preset assignment by acomputer program running on computer system 20. In step 100, a locatoris entered, for example, by a user entering a “zip code” using keyboard44. In optional step 102, the user enters radio format preference orpreferences (i.e. such as news, talk, type of music as discussed above).At step 104, the computer program directs AM/FM tuner 12 to scan theapplicable broadcast frequency band for strong signals. At step 106, thestrongest signals are compared to available stations based on thelocator and information about available radio stations, as discussedabove in the discussion of audio system mode operation. At step 108, thebroadcast frequencies of the strongest signals are assigned by thecomputer program to the presets. If format preferences have been enteredat optional step 102, the strongest signals for each of the selectedformats may be assigned to the presets. The number of presets for eachformat is dependent on the number of presets available and the number offormats selected. For example, if the user has selected two formats andthere are six presets available, the broadcast frequencies of thestrongest three signals in each format are assigned to presets. Ifoptional step 102 has not been performed, stations may be assigned topresets in other ways; for example, the strongest signal of each of theformats may be assigned to a preset, or the strongest signals,irrespective of format may be assigned to preset.

A user can enter control signals or data for controlling the operationof the sound system through three data/control input systems. A firstinput system includes the input devices of computer system 20, includingmouse 40, keyboard 44, and external display 36. A second input systemincludes the buttons of control panel (FIG. 5) of sound reproductiondevice 10 of FIG. 1. A third input system includes the remote controldevice 17 of FIG. 1, shown in more detail in FIG. 8. In oneimplementation, different subsets of control signals and data input canbe entered through each of the input systems. In this implementation thecontrol panel (FIG. 5) has input buttons for the following control/datafunctions: four buttons 120 for entering control signals and data forvarious clock-radio functions of sound reproduction device 10; a soundreproduction device on/off switch 122; a broadcast band selector button124; an aux input selector 126; volume control buttons 127; two tuningbuttons 128; and preset buttons 72 a-72 f, discussed above. Remotecontrol device (FIG. 8) has input buttons for the following control/datafunctions: sound reproduction device on/off switch 130; volume controlbuttons 134; broadcast band selector button 136; PC signal sourceselector buttons 138, preset selector buttons 140 a-140 f, CD playerpause button 141; and five “overloaded” or multi-use buttons. Button 142activates the “snooze” feature if the sound reproduction device has beenturned on to a broadcast radio station by the alarm, or mutes or unmutesthe sound reproduction device if the sound reproduction device has beenturned on any other way. Button 144 turn off the alarm if the clockradio alarm feature of the sound reproduction device is sounding, orstops the CD player 28. Track/tune button 147 is discussed in moredetail below.

Equivalent control signals that can be entered from more than one of thethree input systems have the same effect, regardless of which inputsystem was used to enter the data or control signal. For example, if thesound source is FM broadcast radio, and preset button 1 is activated,the audio system tunes to the broadcast frequency represented by presetbutton 1, regardless of whether the preset button was activated bypressing preset button 72 a on the control panel, pressing preset button140 a, on remote control device 17, or by selecting preset icon 150 a onthe user interface screen (FIG. 6) shown on display 36 (FIG. 1).Additionally, if the data or control signal is entered through remotecontrol device 17 or through the sound reproduction device control panel(FIG. 5), a visible indication is displayed on the user interface screen(FIG. 6). For example, if preset button 140 a (preset button 1) ispressed on remote control device 17, a visible indication appears onuser interface screen (FIG. 6) shown on display 36.

The effect of the control signal may depend on the source of the audiosignals. For example, if the source of the audio signals is the AM/FMtuner 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2), selecting the “tuning” buttons 128 (FIG. 5) onthe control panel, or the corresponding buttons 147 (FIG. 8) on theremote control device, or the corresponding graphical figures 79 (FIG.6) causes the tuning frequency of the AM/FM tuner to change. If thesource is music files, the names of the music files may appear in theavailable selections region 90 (FIG. 6) of the interface screen, andselecting of the tuning buttons on the control panel or the equivalentcontrol buttons on remote control device or the equivalent graphicalfigure on the display screen may cause the display to change thehighlighted music file. If the source is web radio stations, theavailable web radio stations my appear in the available selectionsregion 90 (FIG. 6) of the interface screen, and selecting of the tuningbuttons on the control panel or the equivalent control buttons on remotecontrol device or the equivalent graphical figure on the display screenmay cause the display to change the highlighted web radio station.

In the event that the control electronics circuitry 16 (FIG. 1) of thesound reproduction device receives from remote control device 17 aremote control signal that control electronics circuitry 16 cannotdecode, the control electronics circuitry retransmits the remote controlsignal to computer system 20 for decoding.

For ease of selecting individual sources, in one embodiment, in additionto specifying a category (such as music files, broadcast radio stations,computer network accessible radio stations, music files, and CD) ofsources, the user may select from a subset of all the sources in acategory. For example, if the user has selected broadcast FM, broadcastAM, or network accessible radio as the source category, the user maychoose to select an individual radio station from a subset of allavailable radio stations, the subset including only radio stationshaving a particular format, such as news; or if the user has selectedmusic files as the source category the user may choose to select a filefrom a subset of all available files, the subset including only music ofa certain type, such as jazz.

This may be conveniently done using the available selections region 90(FIG. 6) and the various control input devices, including keyboard 44 ormouse 40 (FIGS. 1 and 2) radio control panel (FIG. 5), or the remotecontrol device 17 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 8). The computer program running oncomputer 20 may provide for the user to enter a preferred subsetcategory, or alternatively, may allow the user to sort, order or filterthe entries in the available selections region. The input devices maythen be used to highlight and select entries in the available selectionsregion 90. In one embodiment, the tuning keys 128 of the control panel(FIG. 5), or the corresponding buttons 147 on remote control 17 are usedto highlight and select entries in the available selections region. Inthis embodiment, pressing the tuning key 128 or 147 highlights the nextentry in the available selections region 90. The tuning keys may also beused in the above manner even if the interface screen (FIG. 6) is notvisible on the display, as may happen if the interface screen has beenminimized or if the view of the interface screen is obscured by agraphical display generated by a software program. This aspect of theinvention may also be used in audio systems which have no displayassociated with them.

In another embodiment, when the source category is broadcast radio,tuning keys 128 of the control panel (FIG. 5) and the correspondingbuttons 147 on remote control 17 are used in the conventional manner,that is, to change the tuning frequency of AM/FM tuner 12.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are schematic circuit diagrams of circuitry in aradio in an exemplary embodiment of the invention implementing AM-FMtuner 16, audio signal processing circuit 14 and control electroniccircuitry 16 in the system of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic circuitdiagram of an exemplary embodiment of interface unit 54.

There is enclosed a CD-ROM that may be inserted into the D drive of apersonal computer in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

It is evident that those skilled in the art may make numerousmodifications of and departures from the specific apparatus andtechniques disclosed herein without departing from the inventionconcepts. Consequently, the invention is to be construed as limited onlyby the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. An audio system configured to connect to a separate computer that isconfigured to provide audio information from any one of a plurality ofsources, including digital music files stored on the computer and anetwork accessible by the computer, the audio system comprising: (a) asound reproduction system comprising: a housing; control circuitrylocated within the housing for receiving control commands; audio signalprocessing circuitry located within the housing for processing audiosignals for reproduction; one or more speakers for reproducing audiosignals processed by the audio signal processing circuitry; and aconnector configured to provide a physical and electrical connectionexclusively between the sound reproduction system and the computer,wherein the connection includes one or more signal paths configured to(i) receive audio information from the computer corresponding to thedigital music files stored on the computer and audio information fromthe network via the computer, and (ii) transmit to the computer signalsfor controlling the computer; and (b) a remote control device configuredto transmit signals representing at least a first type of command from auser and a second type of command from a user to the control circuitryof the sound reproduction system, wherein the first type of command is acommand to control a user function of the sound reproduction system andthe second type of command is a command to control a user function ofthe computer, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive thesignals from the remote control and, in response to receiving suchsignals: (i) control the user function of the sound reproduction systemwhen the user issues a command of the first type, and (ii) transmit tothe computer, via a signal path of the connector, a signal forcontrolling the user function of the computer when the user issues acommand of the second type.
 2. The audio system of claim 1, wherein theconnector comprises a dedicated cable.
 3. The audio system of claim 1,wherein the connector is configured to couple to the computer in closeproximity to said sound reproduction system.
 4. The audio system ofclaim 1, wherein the connector is configured to couple to the computeradjacent to said sound reproduction system.
 5. The audio system of claim1 further comprising an AM/FM radio tuner located at least partiallywithin the housing.
 6. The audio system of claim 1 wherein the connectoris at least partially located within the housing.
 7. The audio system ofclaim 1 wherein the signal representing the second type of commandconfigured to be transmitted by the remote control device corresponds toa subset of control commands that the computer is capable of receiving.8. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the remote control is configuredto transmit a signal representing a command selected from the groupconsisting of commands for controlling the volume of the soundreproduction system, controlling the power setting of the soundreproduction system, and muting the sound of the sound reproductionsystem.
 9. The audio system of claim 5, wherein the remote control isconfigured to transmit a signal representing a command for selecting theAM/FM radio tuner as the audio source for the sound reproduction system.10. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the remote control isconfigured to transmit a signal representing a command for selecting thecomputer as the audio source for the sound reproduction system.
 11. Theaudio system of claim 1, wherein the remote control is configured totransmit a signal representing a command selected from the groupconsisting of commands for causing the computer to play a music file,causing the computer to pause the play of a music file, causing thecomputer to select a playlist, causing the computer to select the nextor previous music file, causing the computer device to select anassemblage of music files based on a first type of metadata included inthe music files, causing the computer to repeat the play of a musicfile, and causing the computer to shuffle the play of selected musicfiles.
 12. The audio system of claim 11, wherein the remote control isconfigured to transmit a signal representing a command for causing thecomputer to select an assemblage of music files based on a first type ofmetadata included in the music files, and the assemblage is based oninformation about the music genre.
 13. The audio system of claim 11,wherein the remote control is configured to transmit a signalrepresenting a command for causing the computer to select an assemblageof music files based on a first type of metadata included in the musicfiles.
 14. The audio system of claim 13, wherein the assemblage is basedon information about the music artist.
 15. The audio system of claim 13,wherein the assemblage is based on information about the albumassociated with the music files.
 16. The audio system of claim 13,wherein the remote control is further configured to transmit a signalrepresenting a command for causing the computer to select a subset ofthe assemblage of music files based on a second type of metadataincluded in the music files.
 17. The audio system of claim 16, whereinthe assemblage is based on information about the music genre, and thesubset is based on information about the music artist.
 18. The audiosystem of claim 1, wherein the audio information is in digital form. 19.The audio system of claim 1, wherein the audio information is in analogform.
 20. The audio system of claim 5 wherein the sound reproductionsystem is configured to operate in at least two modes: a first modewherein the sound reproduction system produces audible sound from audioinformation received from the computer via the connector; and a secondmode wherein the sound reproduction system produces audible sound fromthe AM/FM radio tuner.
 21. The audio system of claim 20 furthercomprising one or more control buttons on the housing, wherein at leastone of the control buttons is configured to control a user function ofthe computer via the connector when the sound reproduction system isoperating in the first mode, and configured to control a user functionof the AM/FM radio tuner when the sound reproduction system is operatingin the second mode.
 22. The audio system of claim 20 further comprisinga plurality of preset buttons, wherein the preset buttons are assignableto a first set of user-defined playlists when the sound reproductionsystem is configured to operate in the first mode, and assignable tobroadcast frequencies of the AM/FM radio tuner when the soundreproduction system is configured to operate in the second mode.
 23. Theaudio system of claim 22 further comprising a scrolling button that,when activated, is configured to assign the plurality of preset buttonsto a second set of user-defined playlists.
 24. The audio system of claim1, wherein the connection includes (i) an audio signal path configuredto receive the audio information from the computer and from the networkvia the computer and (ii) a separate control signal path configured totransmit the control signals to the computer.
 25. The audio system ofclaim 1 wherein the sound reproduction system is configured to respondto signals received from the computer.
 26. The audio system of claim 25wherein signals to the computer and signals from the computer to thesound reproduction system are transmitted via a signal path of theconnector.
 27. The audio system of claim 1 wherein the one or morespeakers are located within the housing.
 28. An audio system configuredto connect to a computer that has a plurality of user functions, asubset of the user functions relating to control of audio information,the audio system comprising: (a) a sound reproduction system comprising:a housing; control circuitry located within the housing for receivingcontrol commands; audio signal processing circuitry located within thehousing for processing audio signals for reproduction; one or morespeakers for reproducing audio signals processed by the audio signalprocessing circuitry; and a connector configured to provide a physicaland electrical connection exclusively between the sound reproductionsystem and the computer, wherein the connection includes one or moresignal paths configured to (i) receive audio information from thecomputer, and (ii) transmit the computer signals for controlling thecomputer; and (b) a remote control device configured to transmit signalsrepresenting at least a first type of command from a user and a secondtype of command from a user to the control circuitry of the soundreproduction system, wherein the first type of command is a command tocontrol a user function of the sound reproduction system and the secondtype of command is a command to control a user function of the computerrelating to control of audio information, wherein the control circuitryis configured to receive the signals from the remote control and, inresponse to receiving such signals: (i) control the user function of thesound reproduction system when the user issues a command of the firsttype, and (ii) transmit to the computer, via a signal path of theconnector, a signal for controlling the user function of the computerwhen the user issues a command of the second type.
 29. The audio systemof claim 28, wherein the computer is a personal computer.
 30. The audiosystem of claim 28, wherein the connector comprises a dedicated cable.31. The audio system of claim 28, wherein the connector is configured tocouple to the computer in close proximity to said sound reproductionsystem.
 32. The audio system of claim 28, wherein the connector isconfigured to couple to the computer adjacent to said sound reproductionsystem.
 33. The audio system of claim 28 further comprising an AM/FMradio tuner located at least partially within the housing.
 34. The audiosystem of claim 28 wherein the connector is located within the housing.35. The audio system of claim 28, wherein the remote control isconfigured to transmit a signal representing a command selected from thegroup consisting of commands for controlling the volume of the soundreproduction system, controlling the power setting of the soundreproduction system, and muting the sound of the sound reproductionsystem.
 36. The audio system of claim 33, wherein the remote control isconfigured to transmit a signal representing a command for selecting theAM/FM radio tuner as the audio source for the sound reproduction system.37. The audio system of claim 28, wherein the remote control isconfigured to transmit a signal representing a command for selecting thecomputer as the audio source for the sound reproduction system.
 38. Theaudio system of claim 28, wherein the remote control is configured totransmit a signal representing a command selected from the groupconsisting of commands for causing the computer to play a music file,causing the computer to pause the play of a music file, causing thecomputer to select a playlist, causing the computer to select the nextor previous music file, causing the computer to select an assemblage ofmusic files based on a first type of metadata included in the musicfiles, causing the computer to repeat the play of a music file, andcausing the computer to shuffle the play of selected music files. 39.The audio system of claim 38, wherein the remote control is configuredto transmit a signal representing a command for causing the computer toselect an assemblage of music files based on a first type of metadataincluded in the music files, and the assemblage is based on informationabout the music genre.
 40. The audio system of claim 38, wherein theremote control is configured to transmit a signal representing a commandfor causing the computer to select an assemblage of music files based ona first type of metadata included in the music files.
 41. The audiosystem of claim 40, wherein the assemblage is based on information aboutthe music artist.
 42. The audio system of claim 40, wherein theassemblage is based on information about the album associated with themusic files.
 43. The audio system of claim 40, wherein the remotecontrol is further configured to transmit a signal representing acommand for causing the computer to select a subset of the assemblage ofmusic files based on a second type of metadata included in the musicfiles.
 44. The audio system of claim 43, wherein the assemblage is basedon information about the music genre, and the subset is based oninformation about the music artist.
 45. The audio system of claim 28,wherein the audio information is in digital form.
 46. The audio systemof claim 28, wherein the audio information is in analog form.
 47. Theaudio system of claim 28 wherein the sound reproduction system isconfigured to operate in at least two modes: a first mode wherein thesound reproduction system produces audible sound from audio informationreceived from the computer via the connector; and a second mode whereinthe sound reproduction system produces audible sound from the AM/FMradio tuner.
 48. The audio system of claim 47 further comprising one ormore control buttons on the housing, wherein at least one of the controlbuttons is configured to control, via the connector, a user function ofthe computer relating to control of audio information when the soundreproduction system is operating in the first mode, and configured tocontrol a user function of the AM/FM radio tuner when the soundreproduction system is operating in the second mode.
 49. The audiosystem of claim 47 further comprising a plurality of preset buttons,wherein the preset buttons are assignable to a first set of user-definedplaylists when the sound reproduction system is configured to operate inthe first mode, and assignable to broadcast frequencies of the AM/FMradio tuner when the sound reproduction system is configured to operatein the second mode.
 50. The audio system of claim 49 further comprisinga scrolling button that, when activated, is configured to assign theplurality of preset buttons to a second set of user-defined playlists.51. The audio system of claim 28, wherein the connection includes (i) anaudio signal path configured to receive the audio information from thecomputer and (ii) a separate signal path configured to transmit to thecomputer signals for controlling the computer.
 52. The audio system ofclaim 28, wherein the sound reproduction system is configured to respondto signals received from the computer.
 53. The audio system of claim 52,wherein signals to the computer and signals from the computer to thesound reproduction system are transmitted via a signal path of theconnector.
 54. The audio system of claim 28 wherein the one or morespeakers are located within the housing.
 55. An audio system configuredto connect to a separate computer that has a plurality of userfunctions, a subset of the user functions relating to control of audioinformation, and is configured to provide audio information from any oneof a plurality of sources, including digital music files stored on thecomputer and a network accessible by the computer, the audio systemcomprising: (A) a sound reproduction system comprising: a housing;control circuitry located within the housing for receiving controlcommands; audio signal processing circuitry located within the housingfor processing audio signals for reproduction; one or more speakers forreproducing audio signals processed by the audio signal processingcircuitry; an connector located at least partially within the housingthat is configured to provide a physical and electrical connectionexclusively between the sound reproduction system and the computer,wherein the connection includes one or more signal paths configured to(i) receive audio information from the computer corresponding to thedigital music files stored on the computer and audio information fromthe network via the computer, (ii) transmit to the computer signals forcontrolling the computer, and (iii) receive signals from the computer;and (B) a remote control device configured to transmit signalsrepresenting at least a first type of command from a user and a secondtype of command from a user to the control circuitry of the soundreproduction system, wherein the first type of command is a command tocontrol a user function of the sound reproduction system and the secondtype of command is a command to control a user function of the computer,wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the signals fromthe remote control and, in response to receiving such signals: (i)control the user function of the sound reproduction system when the userissues a command of the first type, and (ii) transmit to the computer,via a signal path of the connector, a signal for controlling the userfunction of the computer when the user issues a command of the secondtype.
 56. The audio system of claim 55, wherein the connection includes(i) an audio signal path configured to receive the audio informationfrom the computer and from the network via the computer and (ii) aseparate signal path configured to transmit to the computer signals forcontrolling the computer.
 57. The audio system of claim 55, wherein theaudio information is in digital form.
 58. The audio system of claim 55,wherein the audio information is in analog form.
 59. The audio system ofclaim 55, wherein the sound reproduction further includes an AM/FM radiotuner located within the housing.
 60. The audio system of claim 55,wherein connector of the sound reproduction system is located within thehousing.
 61. The audio system of claim 55, wherein the one or morespeakers of the sound reproduction system are located within thehousing.
 62. A system comprising: (A) a computer having a plurality ofuser functions, a subset of the user functions relating to control ofaudio information, and comprising: (a) a storage device configured tostore a plurality of digital music files, each music file includingwithin the music file at least a first and second type of metadata thatcharacterizes the music file; and (b) a display for displaying a userinterface configured to present a first assemblage of the plurality ofmusic files in a first set of groups according to the first type ofmetadata associated with the music files, and, in response to a userselection of a group in the first assemblage, present a secondassemblage of the music files in the selected group, wherein the secondassemblage presents the music files in the selected group in a secondset of groups according to the second type of metadata associated withthe music files in the selected group; (B) a sound reproduction systemcomprising: (a) a housing; (b) control circuitry located within thehousing for receiving control commands; (c) audio signal processingcircuitry located within the housing for processing audio signals forreproduction; (d) one or more speakers for reproducing audio signalsprocessed by the audio signal processing circuitry; and (e) a connectorconfigured to provide a physical and electrical connection exclusivelybetween the sound reproduction system and the computer, wherein theconnection includes one or more signal paths configured to (i) receiveaudio information from the computer, and (ii) transmit to the computersignals for controlling the computer; and (C) a remote control deviceconfigured to transmit signals representing at least a first type ofcommand from a user and a second type of command from a user to thecontrol circuitry of the sound reproduction system, wherein the firsttype of command is a command to control a user function of the soundreproduction system and the second type of command is a command tocontrol a user function of the computer relating to control of audioinformation, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive thesignals from the remote control and, in response to receiving suchsignals: (i) control the user function of the sound reproduction systemwhen the user issues a command of the first type, and (ii) transmit tothe computer, via a signal path of the connector, a signal forcontrolling the user function of the computer when the user issues acommand of the second type.
 63. The system of claim 62, wherein thecomputer comprises: (a) a storage device configured to store a pluralityof music files each including at least a first and second type ofmetadata characterizing the respective music files; (b) a processor; and(c) instructions stored on a computer-readable media that, whenexecuted, cause the processor to: (i) assemble the plurality of musicfiles into a first set of groups based on the first metadata associatedwith each respective music file; and (ii) assemble the plurality ofmusic files into a second set of groups based on the second metadataassociated with each respective music file.
 64. The system of claim 62,wherein the computer is a personal computer.
 65. The system of claim 62,wherein the sound reproduction system is configured to respond tosignals received from the computer.
 66. The system of claim 65, whereinsignals to the computer and signals from the computer to the soundreproduction system are transmitted via a signal path of the connector.67. The system of claim 62, wherein the computer is further configuredto provide audio information from any one of a plurality of sources,including digital music files stored on the computer and a networkaccessible by the computer; and wherein the sound reproduction system isconfigured to receive, via the connector, audio information from thecomputer corresponding to the digital music files and audio informationfrom the network.
 68. The system of claim 62 wherein the soundreproduction system further includes an audio source.
 69. The system ofclaim 68, wherein the audio source of the sound reproduction systemcomprises an AM/FM radio tuner.
 70. The system of claim 62, wherein theone or more speakers are located within the housing of the soundreproduction system.
 71. The audio system of claim 1, wherein thecomputer is a personal computer.
 72. The audio system of claim 55,wherein the computer is a personal computer.
 73. The audio system ofclaim 1, wherein the sound reproduction device further comprises adigital to analog converter configured to convert digital audio sourceinformation from the computer to analog representations of the audioinformation for reproduction by the sound reproduction device.
 74. Theaudio system of claim 28, wherein the sound reproduction device furthercomprises a digital to analog converter configured to convert digitalaudio source information from the computer to analog representations ofthe audio information for reproduction by the sound reproduction device.75. The audio system of claim 55, wherein the sound reproduction devicefurther comprises a digital to analog converter configured to convertdigital audio source information from the computer to analogrepresentations of the audio information for reproduction by the soundreproduction device.
 76. The system of claim 62, wherein the soundreproduction device further comprises a digital to analog converterconfigured to convert digital audio source information from the computerto analog representations of the audio information for reproduction bythe sound reproduction device.